Jesus said in the last verse of John 16, that, “In the world you 

[f]will have tribulation; but be of good

cheer, I have overcome the world.”

2 important things to note in that statement…

1. You will have tribulations, trials and sorrows.

2. He has overcome the world

1John 3:8 NKJV says, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works
of the devil.”

we need understand that satan comes to steal kill and destroy in our lives.

In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter gave a firm warning about satan: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary
the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Peter says that Satan wants to
devour and destroy you, just like a roaring and hungry lion.

Satan is looking for an opening in our lives to come into our lives to devour us.

He is wanting to make us in ineffective in the kingdom.

He is trying to stop the spread of the Kingdom of God.

If he can get our eyes off of Jesus and get our eyes onto the world and its philosophy of sin and death
then we become ineffective in the Kingdom.

2 Corinthians 4:4

New Living Translation

4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable
to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of
Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

1 1 John 3:8

New Living Translation

8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since
the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
Satan desires to be like the most High God

He wants to be God and take over His throne.

Look at Isaiah 14 starting at verse 12

“How you are fallen from heaven,

    O shining star, son of the morning!
You have been thrown down to the earth,
    you who destroyed the nations of the world.
13 
For you said to yourself,
    ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars.
I will preside on the mountain of the gods
    far away in the north.[e]
14 
I will climb to the highest heavens
    and be like the Most High.’

Ezekiel 28

12 “You were the seal of perfection,

Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13 
You were in Eden, the garden of God;
Every precious stone was your covering:
The sardius, topaz, and diamond,
Beryl, onyx, and jasper,
Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold.
The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes
Was prepared for you on the day you were created.
14 
“You were the anointed cherub who covers;
I established you;
You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
15 
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created,
Till iniquity was found in you.
16 
“By the abundance of your trading
You became filled with violence within,
And you sinned;

What is Merchandising or trading?

Sin, where did the word come from.

Its not in the greek vernacular

So now we get a good understanding of what Paul said in Ephesians 6
12 
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

We are not fighting against flesh and blood.

We are fighting against spirits

Ephesians 6:10-18

New Living Translation

The Whole Armor of God

10 
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will
be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-
blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this
dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.
Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and
the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News
so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the
fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God.

Remember that 1 corinthians 4:20 says

20 
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

And that is what Paul was talking about in 2 Corinthians 10

Look at 2 Corinthians 10:4 NKJV

2 Corinthians 10:4

New King James Version

4 
For the weapons  of our warfare  are  not  [a]carnal but  mighty in God  for pulling down strongholds,

IN ephesians 6 the apostle Paul gives us an example of the weapons of our warfare

In other words the weapons we fight with.

Lesson 1: Taking Up the Whole Armor of God

Paul tells us to take up the whole armor of God. But what is this armor, and how do we put it on? Is it
still relevant for Christians today?

Now Paul was Imprisoned in Rome for two years under the watchful eyes of Roman soldiers, Paul was
able to write four epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon) and continue preaching "the
kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ" to all those who came to
hear him (Acts 28:30-31).

At first as he wrote the letter to the Ephesians church he was actually chained between two Roman
soldiers

Living for two years with soldiers of the Roman army must have made an impression on Paul. Likely he
saw the soldiers' armor enough to become well acquainted with it, learned to understand the function
of each piece, what purpose it served and why it was important.

Just as the Roman soldiers required physical armor to fight their wars, we Christians require spiritual
armor to successfully fight ours. As the pieces fell into place, Paul saw that each piece of Roman armor
had a powerful correlation with our own spiritual defenses. It is this analogy that the church in Ephesus
received and which God has preserved for two thousand years for our benefit.

What Do We Need Armor for, Anyway?

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says

"We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted,
but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed").

How?

How is it that, as Christians, we are expected to withstand incredible pressures and not be defeated?
How can we possibly stand up against everything the world has to throw at us and still expect to emerge
victorious?

The answer lies not in ourselves, but in a divine and unbeatable defense: the armor of God.

What is the armor of God?

Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of
God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of
faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always
with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and
supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my
mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in
it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The armor of God is an amazing metaphor for action we need to take in our spiritual lives. Paul sets the
scene for us: We are fighting a war, and the stakes are higher than they have ever been in human
history.

Our enemy? Not flesh and blood, no human foe—we fight against a much more fearsome opponent
whose forces are described in Ephesians 6:12. Our adversary, Satan the devil, and his host of demons
have a single, driving purpose: Obliterate the children of God.

Faced with the cares of this world, we can easily forget about the severity of this battle. But make no
mistake: Our spiritual lives and future in God's Kingdom are on the line. If we lose this war, we lose
everything. What can we do in the face of such overwhelming odds? Is there any hope?

Paul has the answer. In Ephesians 6:13, he gives the call to arms. By putting on all of God's armor, which
we will be exploring piece by piece in the following lessons, we can be assured of withstanding our
enemy's onslaughts.

Are there any other references to this armor in the Bible?

Isaiah 59:17
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head;

2 Corinthians 6:7
...by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the
left...

2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high
thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the
obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

In these passages Paul calls it the armor of righteousness and reveals its purpose. We put on the armor
and strength of God to effectively wage war against our enemy, the devil. Without it, we are helpless—
but with it, we are soldiers of the living God, and "more than conquerors through Him who loved us"
(Romans 8:37).

Part of the armor of God, as described by Paul, is the belt of truth. What good is a belt? And more
importantly, what does it have to do with truth? Let's find out.

Next sunday
Lesson 2: The Belt of Truth

The first piece of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6:14 is "the belt of truth" (New International
Version). What purpose did the belt serve for a Roman soldier? What purpose does the belt of truth serve
for us?

Discovery Channel's Mythbusters interviewed Deputy Shawn Osborne, whose standard-issue belt buckle

deflected a bullet at close range, saving his life. In spite of a big bruise, Deputy Osborne knew he was
"very lucky."

Belt buckles are not designed to stop bullets. But there was a time when belts were an important part of
defensive armor.

Girded With Truth

When the apostle Paul describes the armor of God, he is talking about more than a simple set of helpful
tips. He is talking about the impregnable defenses of the Almighty God. These are keys to withstanding
the attacks and onslaughts of the great dragon of old, Satan the devil. They are ultimate and infinitely
powerful tools available to us as Christians.

And he chooses to begin describing that set of armor by talking about...a belt?

Why, of all things, a belt? He could have started with the mighty sword of the Spirit, the towering shield
of faith, the shining breastplate of righteousness—anything but some measly old belt. But he didn't. So
that begs the question—why?

What was the belt used for in the Roman army?

The belt—known as the cingulum or balteus—played a crucial role in the effectiveness of a soldier's

armor. It was the belt that held the scabbard, without which there would be no place to put a sword.
Imagine an overzealous soldier, fired up and charging out into battle—but without his belt, and
consequently without a weapon!

In addition, the Nelson Study Bible says from the belt "hung strips of leather to protect the lower body."
The Matthew Henry Commentary says the belt "girds on [secures] all the other pieces of our armor."
Truth should cleave to us as a belt cleaves to our body.

What is truth?

John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Jesus, praying to the Father, gives a
clear and straightforward definition of
truth: God's Word. The Holy Bible
(Scripture—the word of truth) was given
by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Greek expression translated
"inspiration of God" literally means
"God-breathed"! He actively and fully
inspired the Bible to reveal His truth to
us.

His promises, His commands, His word—

they are all truth, plain and simple. After
all, "The LORD of hosts has purposed,
and who will annul it? His hand is
stretched out, and who will turn it
back?" (Isaiah 14:27). If God says
something, there is no force that can
stop Him from doing it—we can rest
assured that it will be done.

What does truth have to do with a

belt?

1 Thessalonians 5:21
Test all things; hold fast what is good.

As Christians, we are to test all things and then hold on only to that which is good—the truth—
discarding all else. We are to be like the Bereans who "searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether
these things were so" (Acts 17:11). If we are not convinced that our principles and beliefs are without
exception 100 percent true, how can we expect to accomplish anything?

Proverbs 3:3-4
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your
heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.

A belt encompasses the waist. Does our conviction to the truth encompass us? As the above scripture
notes, truth must be bound around us and written on our hearts—our conviction must reach beyond an
outward show.

The belt used in Roman armor, as we have learned, provided a place for the soldier's sword. Our sword
—the sword of the Spirit—likewise needs a sheath. Truth is vital because, like a Roman soldier's belt, it
allows us to carry the sword of the Spirit and use it effectively.
What other lessons can we learn from the biblical analogy of having our waist "girded" by a belt?

Luke 12:35-37
Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their
master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him
immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching.
Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve
them.

Christ told us to always be watching and ready for His return.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be
brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ...

Peter used an interesting analogy: "Gird up the loins of your mind." This implies tucking in long garments
to be ready to move quickly. The New International Version translates it as "prepare your minds for
action."

What are the dangers of not wearing the belt?

Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The world we live in teaches that truth is what we make it—that good and bad are relative and that
there are no absolutes, only equally valid opinions. But the Bible teaches that truth is God's Word—that
good and bad are defined by Him and that there are eternal and unchangeable absolutes, uninfluenced
by opinions.

Paul wrote to the Romans telling them to "not be conformed to this world." Part of that means not
buying into a system of belief that says absolute truth is a myth. As Christians, we know both that there
is truth and that it is absolute.

2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.

Imagine a belt with a segment missing. No matter how tiny the sliver that isn't there, the belt is still
useless. To do its job, it must be one continuous, unbroken piece.

Now imagine living a way of life you don't completely agree with. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big deal
—after all, what are a couple minor points that you're not sure about?

They are everything. To try to live God's way without total belief in its validity is like trying to hold your
sword up with a belt that isn't continuous. Neither will work. Our trust in God and His Word must be
solid, without break, or else we will quickly find ourselves without a weapon. No matter how effective
the rest of our armor is, we are useless without our sword. We need to be rightly dividing the word of
truth—knowing what we believe, and why.

So—how secure is your belt?

Part of the armor of God, as described by Paul, is the "breastplate of righteousness." What good is a
breastplate? And more importantly, what does it have to do with righteousness? Well—let's find out.

Lesson 3: The Breastplate of Righteousness

The second piece of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6:14 is "the breastplate of righteousness." Why is
the breastplate important—for both ancient soldiers and us?

A lesson from ancient Israel provides an ironic example of just how important armor can be. Perhaps
you recall the cowardly and capricious life of King Ahab, but how did this evil king's life come to an end?
This selfish leader who allowed a man to be killed just so he could have his vineyard (1 Kings 21)? This
king of Israel "who did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30,
New Revised Standard Version)?

God had prophesied that Ahab would die in the battle described in 1 Kings 22. So Ahab decided to
disguise himself, while his ally King Jehoshaphat of Judah wore his own kingly robes.

Their enemy had ordered his captains, "'Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of
Israel.' When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, 'It is surely the king of Israel.' So
they turned to fight against him; and Jehoshaphat cried out. When the captains of the chariots saw that
it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

"But a certain man drew his bow and unknowingly struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and
the breastplate…at evening he died; the blood from the wound had flowed into the bottom of the
chariot" (1 Kings 22:31-35, NRSV).

Is it perhaps poetic justice that this unrighteous king lost his life due to an opening in his armor?

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Putting on Righteousness

Facing the hordes of Satan, you brace yourself and pray. The hosts of your enemy share a collective,
malicious grin, waiting for the command to do their worst.

The battle cry sounds. They begin their charge; you tighten your grip on your sword and raise your
shield. Weapons begin swinging with unrivaled fury; you do your best to parry the onslaught, but there
are too many weapons to block. Eventually, you watch as one of your opponent's swords begins making
a clean arc that continues right past your shield and toward your chest.

You brace yourself, preparing for the worst and expecting your quick demise, watching the weapon
move ever closer to you as time slows to a maddening crawl—waiting, waiting, when CLANG! The
reverberating noise of the sword striking your breastplate pierces the air.

Shaking your head in disbelief, you look down to find that the breastplate of righteousness stopped the
deadly blow in its tracks. Delivered by righteousness and with renewed vigor, you plunge back into the
fight.
What purpose does a breastplate
serve?

The breastplate was a central part of the

Roman soldier's armor—it provided
protection for the torso, which contains
vital organs like the heart, lungs and so
on. Without a breastplate, a soldier
would be asking for death, as any attack
could instantly become fatal. With a
sturdy breastplate, the very same
attacks become ineffective and useless,
as blows glance off the armor.

Why is righteousness associated with

protective armor like a breastplate?

Proverbs 11:4
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.

Without righteousness, we leave

ourselves open to almost certain death.
With righteousness—just as with a
breastplate—the otherwise fatal attacks
of our enemy are thwarted.

What is righteousness?

Psalm 119:172
My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.

1 John 3:4
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

1 Corinthians 15:34
Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to
your shame.

To be righteous is to do what is right in God's eyes. God's commandments are righteousness. In

contrast, lawlessness is sin, and sin is the opposite of righteousness. So to be righteous is to obey God's
laws of love.

What separates us from God, causing Him to withhold His protection?

Isaiah 59:1-2
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But
your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that
He will not hear.
Iniquities and sins are actions and thoughts that go against God's laws. Since they are in conflict with
God's way of living and are harmful to ourselves and others, our perfect and just God will not associate
with us if we go down the path of sin and evil. We cut ourselves off from God and His protection!

It is interesting to note that in this same chapter Isaiah mentions that God Himself puts on righteousness
as a breastplate (Isaiah 59:17), which may be part of what inspired Paul to use this analogy.

Whose righteousness should we be wearing?

Isaiah 64:6
But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Righteousness may deliver from death, but whose righteousness are we talking about? The above
scripture makes it clear that our individual level of righteousness is on par with "filthy rags"—and when
you're looking to protect yourself from death, filthy rags make for a lousy breastplate.

Jeremiah 23:6
In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be
called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Also consider scriptures such as Job 36:3; Psalm 5:8; 23:3; 24:5; and 71:16, which show that true
righteousness comes from God. It is God's righteousness, and not our own, which must serve as our
breastplate and defense against Satan.

What other characteristics does Paul compare with a breastplate?

1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the
hope of salvation.

Faith and love also protect our hearts. It's interesting to study how faith and love relate to
righteousness. Faith works "through love" (Galatians 5:6) and Abraham's faith (which was shown by his
doing what God said to do) was "accounted to him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3; Genesis 26:5). As
the Jamieson, Fausset and Brown commentary puts it: "'Faith,' as the motive within, and 'love,' exhibited
in outward acts, constitute the perfection of righteousness" (note on 1 Thessalonians 5:8).

How do I wear the breastplate of righteousness?

Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand.

So now we know what the breastplate of righteousness is. Paul gives us the command to "take up the
whole armor of God"—the obvious question is, "How?"

An in-depth concordance study of all the scriptures concerning righteousness (there are 301 in the New
King James Version!) reveals that servants of God in the Bible who had righteousness all had it because
they followed God's way. Though it may seem a sweeping statement, it is through a continuing and
dedicated adherence to both the letter and spirit of God's law that we can defend ourselves with His
righteousness.
Once we have put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must be sure not to remove it. Ezekiel 33:13
shows that wearing righteousness is not a one-time event; rather, it requires a lifetime of action.

One day, the war we're fighting will be over. And when it is, we are promised, "The work of
righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever" (Isaiah
32:17). By faithfully living God's way and staying clear of Satan's, we will find this peace, quietness and
assurance—forever.

Apply Now

Take some time for introspection. What laws of God do you find yourself most likely to compromise?
We can't expect the breastplate to stay securely fastened unless we remain true to His commands. Once
you identify your weaker areas, resolve to keep from compromising in them. Pick one area at a time to
pay special attention to: When you do compromise, what prompts it? Is it because of certain conditions,
environments, company, etc.? Use this information to decrease your chances of being tempted to
compromise, starting today!
Part of the armor of God, as described by the apostle Paul, is the shoes of "the preparation of the gospel
of peace." What good are shoes? And more importantly, what do they have to do with the gospel of
peace? Let's find out.

Lesson 4: The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

The third piece of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 is the shoes of "the preparation of the gospel of
peace." What purpose did shoes serve for a Roman soldier? What purpose do these spiritual shoes serve
for us?

The brethren gathered around, desperately trying to convince Paul to abandon his plans to travel to
Jerusalem. They had heard the prophecies about the fate that awaited him on this journey—Paul
himself said that he did not know what to expect, "except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city,
saying that chains and tribulations await me" (Acts 20:23). Paul's brethren and fellow workers couldn't
bear the thought of their friend willingly walking into this, and begged him to reconsider.

But God, through His Holy Spirit, had summoned Paul to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22)—and Paul was intent on
answering that call. Knowing that the upcoming trip could very well mean the end of his life, he says to
his would-be dissuaders, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not
only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21:13).

Paul did not just write about the armor of God; he also wore it. At this time in his life he was able to call
upon the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace. He found protection and strength in the
knowledge of what God's gospel meant for him and for the others he shared that good news with. His
footing was sure and unshakable, and he was prepared to carry the gospel wherever God sent him.

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Shod With the Gospel of Peace

Shoes, like the belt, may initially seem

superfluous in a discussion about
spiritual armor. They're great to have,
sure, but aren't they more of a
convenience than a necessity? Are they
really that important?

In this lesson, we'll learn why our

spiritual shoes matter and why we need
to make sure we're equipped with them
before we get onto the battlefield.

What purpose do shoes serve?

Imagine a fully armed soldier. He has his

sword, his shield, his helmet, his
breastplate and his belt...but his feet are
completely bare. The picture probably seems strange, and it should! Just by thinking about it, we can tell
something is missing.

But the problem goes beyond just looking odd. A shoeless soldier could run into real trouble in the heat
of battle. Unless he is fighting on Astroturf, he is going to encounter some debris. It may be nothing
more than twigs and pebbles, but to a bare foot that can cause serious pain—and one of the last things
you want to deal with in the middle of a fight is worrying about where you step.

In short, shoes allow us to step freely and without fear while we turn our full attention to the battle at
hand.

What is the gospel of peace? Are there different gospels in the Bible?

Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and
healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

Mark 1:1
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Mark 1:14
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God...

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race
with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of
God.

Romans 10:15
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those
who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"

The gospel of the Kingdom, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel of the Kingdom of God, the gospel of
the grace of God, the gospel of peace—these are some of descriptions attached to the
word gospel throughout the New Testament. Do all these different qualifiers mean that there are
multiple gospels set forth in the Bible?

No. The Greek word translated gospel—euaggelion—simply means "good news." This raises a question:
The good news of what? The first description used in the Gospels also summarizes all the others: The
gospel of the Kingdom. The good news of the Kingdom of God includes the good news about Jesus Christ
the King, His grace (unmerited pardon) and His plan of salvation for all mankind. This plan gives us peace
now, and will bring peace to the whole world! This is the message God's people are eager to share with
others. Our loving Father is preparing us all for a future beyond imagination and description.

What does the gospel of peace have to do with shoes?

Romans 10:14-15
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of
whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of
peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"
God's Church is sent to announce the good news of God's Kingdom, which will spread His way of peace
around the whole world. Having our shoes on, we are ready to move, to spread these glad tidings to
others.

In the apostle Paul's day, he walked countless miles in delivering the good news. Today, transportation
and communication have changed, but we must also be constantly ready to do our part to spread the
good news.

Romans 3:17
And the way of peace they have not known.

In spite of all human attempts at peace, it's clear from the daily news reports that this world does not
know the road to peace.

1 John 2:6
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Following Christ's steps is the way to real peace.

How do these spiritual shoes help us stand firm?

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart
be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The sandals of the Roman soldier "often were fitted with nails, or armed with spikes, to make the hold
firm in the ground" (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible). God's good news and our mission—our marching
orders—to preach it serve as our firm foundation. When we truly allow ourselves to take comfort in the
good news promised by God, there is nothing from outside ourselves that can trouble our hearts or give
us reason to be afraid. Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33), and so we have nothing to fear from
it.

Luke 10:19-20
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the
enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are
subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

Just as shoes allow us to walk on otherwise painful terrain without fear, so the preparation of the gospel
of peace allows us to traverse the otherwise painful trials and tribulations of life without fear, knowing
that what awaits is greater than anything we could possibly suffer in this world (Romans 8:18).

Why is it called a gospel of peace?

Isaiah 2:2-4
Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on
the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many
people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God
of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up
sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And
His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the
increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His
kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The Bible makes it clear that, when God's Kingdom is established and the entire world begins to live
God's way faithfully, the resulting peace will be universal. There will be no more war or fear, only the
worldwide peace that comes from God's way of life.

Apply Now

God has given His Church a tremendously large job: to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God to the
entire world! Take some time today to consider a person or group who needs to hear this good news.
Pray that the message will reach the person or group in the most effective way. We welcome your ideas
and suggestions as well.

Part of the armor of God, as described by Paul, is the "shield of faith." How did Roman soldiers use their
shields in battle, and what lesson is there in it for us? Let's find out.

Lesson 5: The Shield of Faith

The fourth piece of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 is "the shield of faith." How did Roman soldiers
use their shields? What purpose does a spiritual shield serve for us?

The Bible, in Daniel 3, records the story of the burning fiery furnace:

The three young men stood looking at the very site where they were to be put to death. The edict had
gone out—they were to be thrown, alive and bound, into a furnace heated to seven times its usual
fervor. Everyone watching understood: This was an execution. This was what happened when you
disobeyed the king.

Just moments ago, the three men had been given the chance to circumvent this ugly fate. With little
more than a few motions on their part, they could have saved their own lives. But they refused. Why?

The king had previously set up a 90-foot-high golden statue. At various times throughout the day, which
were to be prompted by music, he commanded that his people fall down and worship this statue. Out of
the entire nation, we are given the names of only three men who had the courage to stand against this
royal decree. And for that courage, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were going to die.

When King Nebuchadnezzar became aware of their insubordination, he summoned the rebels and gave
them an ultimatum: Worship the statue or be thrown into a fiery furnace. Their response is preserved
for us in Daniel 3:16-18. "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, 'O
Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we
serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold
image which you have set up.'"

The faith of these three men in God allowed them to stand up to the world's most powerful man and
refuse to follow his blasphemous orders. They were then thrown into the furnace and miraculously
delivered unharmed by God. But perhaps the most amazing thing about their story is their unwavering
dedication to God in the face of an unknown outcome. Their faith was strong enough to accept giving
their lives!

How can we have that faith?

Share Your Story

Taking the Shield

Up until now, Paul's description of the armor of God has been limited to items we wear. We put on the
belt, the breastplate and the shoes, and they essentially hold themselves up.

The shield is different. Paul tells us that

the shield is something we must take
up, something we are required to raise.
Just strapping it to our arm won't do any
good at all if we don't make the effort to
hold it aloft and use it.

How did the shield work in the Roman

army?

The Roman shield—the scutum—was

not the standard "medieval-esque"
shield most picture in their minds upon
hearing the word. It was instead a very
large, slightly curved rectangular shield
featuring at its center a large metal
knob (called a boss).

The scutum was an impressive line of

defense. Because of its sheer size (some
were three and a half feet tall and
almost three feet wide), soldiers were afforded a great deal of protection from enemies. Because of its
slight curve, it was able to deflect attacks without transferring the full force of the assault to the man
holding the shield. Because of its boss, it was able to deflect even the more vicious blows and function in
a limited offensive capacity as a means of knocking an opponent backwards.

What is faith?

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Here is a biblical definition of faith that clears up some common misconceptions. If faith is "the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," then this has far-reaching implications.
Substance is tangible, and evidence is solid proof. Faith is, by definition, not some hazy emotion without
any grounding in reality. It is the irrefutable truth. It is real.

Romans 8:24-25
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what
he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Though it is based on solid evidence, that doesn't mean faith comes naturally or easily. Paul here makes
the obvious but necessary point: You don't hope for what you already have. Faith involves a huge
element of trust. We must examine the evidence and see that God has proved Himself to be unchanging
and consistent, and then we must firmly believe that He will fulfill His promises to us.

Where does living, saving faith come from?

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God...

1 Corinthians 12:9
...to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit...

While we must believe God to even begin our walk with Him, after repentance and baptism He gives us
a deeper, living, growing faith through His Holy Spirit.

Why is a shield associated with faith?

Daniel 3:17-18
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He
will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve
your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.

A shield guards. While a physical shield protects us physically, faith can protect our spiritual lives even in
the middle of physical trials. When Satan (through Nebuchadnezzar) attacked the values and beliefs of
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, they were able to stand resolute and unwavering because of their
faith. In their response, they essentially said, "God is capable of delivering us from this fate. We don't
know if He will or not, but that doesn't matter. He gave us His commands, and we are going to keep
them regardless of the physical outcome. We know He can just as easily raise us from the dead."
Ephesians 6:16
...above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked one.

A shield deflects. Satan is always hurling his fiery darts of fear, doubt and worry in our direction, but the
only time they can hit us is when we let our shield of faith down—when we stop believing that God is in
control; that He is working everything out for our good; that whatever happens is for the ultimate best
of everyone involved, however little it seems to be that way.

Matthew 14:28-31
And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He
said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying,
"Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you
of little faith, why did you doubt?"

A shield is the first line of defense. While the rest of our armor helps protect us from Satan's onslaught,
it is not what you ideally want to be using to absorb every hit. You do not, for instance, go out into battle
intentionally blocking everything with your head.

When our faith in God's omnipotence and care is strong, it is impossible for Satan to break through our
shield and land an attack. But when we allow doubt to creep in, as Peter did when distracted by the
waves, we will start to sink. The rest of our armor will be battered, and so will we. But an actively raised
shield of faith prevents this otherwise inhibiting fatigue.

Matthew 4:10-11
Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God,
and Him only you shall serve.'" Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

A shield can incapacitate. When Christ was being tempted by Satan, His faith in the Word and
commands of God repelled Satan for a time (Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Christ was tempted in all things,
so this was certainly not the only encounter Christ had with the devil). The boss (the metal knob in the
middle) on the Roman shields allowed soldiers to give their enemies a stun-inducing shove that would
allow them to follow through with an attack. Our faith in God, as demonstrated by Christ, can also give
Satan a good shove backwards and give us a chance to fight back by doing God's will and work. Because
God tells us that faith cannot just be in our minds, it must produce actions—works of obedience and
service (James 2:20).

How else can the shield be used?

The Roman military had an inventive and very effective tactic that made use of their large shields. When
enemies would begin firing arrows and other projectiles at the army, the soldiers would close ranks into
a rectangular array—called the testudo, or "tortoise," formation—and those on the outside would use
their shields to create a wall around the perimeter. Then those in the middle would raise their shields
over their heads to protect everyone from airborne missiles. The result was a formidable human tank
that could be stopped only through a tremendous effort.

Ephesians 4:11-16
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and
teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the
measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro
and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of
deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—
Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to
the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of
itself in love.

When the Roman army joined its shields together, it became an almost unstoppable force. And if we in
God's Church join our shields—that is, strengthen each other with our faith, building up and serving
within the Body as we are able—we will become an unstoppable force able to take on any challenge.

We must remember as we fight that this is not simply our battle. This is the battle of all our brethren,
both near and around the world. And if we are to win, it will only be once we put our faith in God and
stand side by side, contending earnestly and as one for "our common salvation...the faith which was
once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).

Apply Now

Our faith is founded on the promises of God. How familiar are we with these promises? Do you know
what God has promised you? If our knowledge of and trust in them are unsteady, we will be too. Review
the short article "God's Promises," also listed in the Related Resources section below, for a quick
refresher of what God has promised us—what we can bet our lives on. Claim those promises and keep
that shield up!

Part of the armor of God, as described by the apostle Paul, is the "helmet of salvation." What purpose
did the Roman helmet serve? And more importantly, what does it have to do with salvation? Let's find
out.

Lesson 6: Helmet of Salvation

In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about the "helmet of salvation" as part of the armor of God. What exactly does
the Bible mean by salvation, and why is it portrayed as a helmet?

It's hard to deny the importance of a helmet. The Lansing State Journal ran an article on June 23, 2009,
about a 36-year-old involved in a skateboarding accident:

"It was a death that could have been avoided, officials said.

"Paul Maxim, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered a skull fracture and other head injuries in an
accident June 18 at Ranney Skate Park near Frandor. He died Saturday.

"'A simple helmet would have saved his life,' said Lansing fire public information officer Steve Mazurek."

This story stands in stark contrast with an article that appeared in the Manchester Evening News on July
4, 2008:
"Savannah Haworth, 11, was knocked unconscious after falling into the path of the car.

"The wheels went over her arm and top of her helmet but she escaped with a swollen elbow and
bruising to her face.

"Her parents say she would have been killed without the helmet and are now urging all cyclists to wear
them."

It's incredible to think that the absence or presence of a helmet can make so much of a difference that a
skateboarding accident can prove fatal without one while being run over by a car can be survived with
one. One of the pieces of our spiritual armor is the helmet of salvation, and, as we can see from these
two stories, a helmet is not a piece of equipment to be underestimated.

Share Your Story

Taking the Helmet

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians

about the helmet of salvation, some of
them may have found the analogy to be
a familiar one. In the book of Isaiah, a
description of God shows Him as having
put on both the breastplate of
righteousness and the helmet of
salvation (Isaiah 59:17). In referencing
this Old Testament scripture, Paul drives
home the point that it is in every sense
of the word the armor of God—the
same armor He Himself wears. But it
also leads us to consider what salvation
is, what it has to do with a helmet and
what it means for us.

What purpose did the helmet serve in

the Roman army?

The Roman helmet, like helmets today,

protected the head from the attacks of
the enemy. There is some evidence to
suggest that the Romans had special
ceremonial helmets used in parades
that denoted rank and standing.

What is salvation?
Salvation basically means to be saved or delivered from something (see examples in Exodus 14:13 and
Micah 7:6-8). In the New Testament, as we will see, it is generally used to refer to deliverance from the
eternal death penalty of sin and deliverance into God's Kingdom.

What is the penalty of our sins, and how can we be saved from that penalty?

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8-10
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more,
having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not
perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but
that the world through Him might be saved.

1 Timothy 2:3-4
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to
come to the knowledge of the truth.

Luke 1:77
To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins...

Every human being has thought and acted in ways that are abominable to God. Our sins break God's
beautiful living laws designed for our good. Sin is so vile to God that it requires the death penalty. God's
justice requires that penalty. But God's loving mercy provided the most incredible substitute. Jesus
Christ, our Creator, was willing to die in our place! To be saved, we need a Savior.

How do we receive salvation?

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for
the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of
works, lest anyone should boast.

It is important to understand that salvation cannot be earned. It is a gift from God and not something we
can obtain through the right actions, thus obligating God to give it to us. Still, as we've seen in the
scriptures covered so far, repentance (abhorring our sins and seeking God's forgiveness and help to
obey His laws), faith, accepting Christ's sacrifice and coming to the knowledge of the truth are all steps
in accepting the free gift. In no way do these efforts make up for our sins that caused the death of our
Creator and Savior!

Is salvation a permanent, irrevocable gift, or does it have to be maintained?

The New Testament tells us that we "have been saved" (Ephesians 2:5), that we "are being saved" (1
Corinthians 1:18) and that we "will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). What does this mean for us?

Ephesians 2:4-8
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were
dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up
together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He
might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you
have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God...

Paul makes it clear that "have been saved" equates to the forgiveness of sins and coming under God's
grace. We have been taken off death row.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it
is the power of God.

Salvation can also describe the ongoing conversion process. Paul also calls this being "transformed by
the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). This involves having God's laws written in our minds and
meditating on them so we can better follow them (Hebrews 10:16; Psalm 119:97-99). As we saw in the
lesson on the breastplate of righteousness, God expects us to obey His commandments.

Matthew 10:22
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Our ultimate salvation depends on whether or not we choose to endure to the end.

What does salvation have to do with a helmet?

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the
hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus
Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore
comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

We can receive tremendous hope and comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Christ gave to save
us and the amazing Kingdom that is the goal of our salvation. This hope works like a helmet to protect
our minds from the discouragement and despair in this world.

John 17:15-16
I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil
one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Christians have been called out of this world. Though we remain in it, we are not of it and remain
separate from it. Our way of living and even of thinking should differ from the world's. We are to
develop the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and as we have seen, that means having God's laws written
on our hearts and minds so we can remember to always obey God.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he
may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your
brotherhood in the world.

Our enemy hates that we have chosen this path and will stop at nothing to destroy us because of it. Just
as the helmet protects the vital but vulnerable head from otherwise fatal blows, the hope of salvation
can protect our thoughts from our enemy's attacks and temptations to disobey God.

Matthew 13:22
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and
the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Without the helmet of salvation, we will be unprotected from the "cares of this world" that bombard
our thoughts and feelings. Imagine not knowing what the future ultimately holds. The worries and
problems produced by living in this world would overwhelm us!

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom
shall I be afraid?

With the helmet securely fastened, we can have the same confidence that Paul did that "the sufferings
of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us"
(Romans 8:18). We understand that it doesn't matter what happens to us now. No matter what trials we
face, we know that at the end of it all waits God's Kingdom and an eternity of His perfect reign—and
what could be better than that?

How do I keep the helmet secure?

Psalm 3:8
Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah.

Remember that salvation comes from God, and that God is on our side. If we commit to fully follow and
obey Him, it is impossible for us to lose our battle or our salvation.

Revelation 21:1-4
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also
there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven
from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying,
"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.
God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things
have passed away."

This is the salvation we are fighting for—to enter this glorious Kingdom! Never lose sight of this. This
coming Kingdom, with its worldwide peace and prosperity, makes every price in this life worth paying.
No matter what comes, no matter how vicious the attacks our enemy lands on us, we know that as long
as we remain with God, we are moving slowly but unstoppably toward an eternal victory.
What wouldn't we give for that?

2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me
only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul had the vision. He valued his salvation highly and diligently fought the good fight. As the end of his
life drew near, he was able to say with complete confidence that he would receive the crown.

When Paul awakes in the first resurrection, he will trade in his soldier's helmet for a far more glorious,
imperishable and eternal crown of righteousness—the crown of a victorious soldier of Christ. We, too,
can be assured of victory so long as we—like Paul—faithfully follow our God and His commandments
from our heart and mind.

Apply Now

Philippians 2:12 says to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." We are each individually
responsible for whether or not we choose to accept the invitation into God's Kingdom and then to stay
on the path of obedience with His help. A good checklist for progress is Paul's description of the fruit of
the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Ask yourself...

How well am I expressing godly love? (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.)

Is my outlook on life characterized by joy or pessimism?

Am I a peacemaker or a troublemaker?

Am I patient—even in stressful situations?

Do I express kindness to others through willing acts of service?

What kind of media do I allow into my life? Does the entertainment I enjoy live up to God's standards?

Do I stick with my commitments, even when they become difficult to keep?

Is my approach to settling disagreements to verbally assault the other person, or do I handle things
gently and with respect?

Am I able to put what needs to be done before what I want to do?

What areas did you find yourself strongest in? In what areas are you weakest? How can you improve?
Take time to research your weakest trait and design a plan for self-improvement in that area. Don't
overlook prayer as the most important step!
The apostle Paul listed many defensive pieces of the armor of God, but only one was an offensive
weapon. What does God want us to learn from the sword of the Spirit? In this lesson, let's explore what
the Bible says about the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

Lesson 7: The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God

The sixth piece of armor Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 is "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God." How does a Roman soldier's sword help us understand how to use the Bible to win our spiritual
battles?

The Bible, in Judges 7, records the story of Gideon and his 300 men:

Gideon and 32,000 Israelite troops gathered near the Midianite camp, but they were severely
outnumbered by their 135,000 oppressors. Gideon was ready to do battle, but God had other plans. He
was about to show His people just how powerful a God He was.

God told Gideon to let anyone who was afraid of the upcoming battle return home. Twenty-two
thousand men took the opportunity to leave their ranks, leaving only 10,000 remaining. But God was
looking for a smaller group still.

God then told Gideon to have the remainder drink from the spring, and all those who lapped the water
like a dog would remain, while the rest were sent home. Finally, with only 300 men, Gideon and his little
army surrounded the Midianites. On signal they blew trumpets, broke the pitchers covering their
torches and shouted, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" (Judges 7:20).

Then the unthinkable happened. These 300 men—holding not swords, but torches and trumpets—
routed the entire Midianite camp. Scripture records that God "set every man's sword against his
companion throughout the whole camp" (Judges 7:22). So before the Israelites even had a chance to
reach for swords, God plunged the enemy camp into chaos and wild defeat. The Israelites were
delivered from their foes by a miracle.

This famous story illustrates an invaluable lesson: It is God who gives the victory. His sword is what will
deliver us.
Share Your Story

Taking the Sword

Throughout the world, there are certain individuals—real and fictional—whose identity remains almost
inseparable from their weapon of choice.

From England, there is King Arthur and his sword, Excalibur. From the Middle East, Ali and his scimitar,
Zulfiqar. From Spain, El Cid and his long sword, Tizona. From Scotland, William Wallace and his unnamed
claymore.

The sword is the only item listed by Paul that serves in an offensive capacity. Even if we have all the rest
of the armor equipped perfectly, without our sword, we amount to little more than heavily armored
moving targets.

Perhaps this is why we remember the

name of King Arthur's sword and not,
for example, his footwear. While the
rest of the armor is undoubtedly vital, it
is the sword and only the sword that
allows us to attack—to directly do the
work that needs to be done.

What purpose did the sword serve in

the Roman army?

The Roman gladius has become known

as "the sword that conquered the
world." Adapted from a Spanish design,
the prowess of the gladius in close
range combat made it a fearsome tool in
the hand of a skilled Roman warrior.
When sharpened, its dual edges
wreaked havoc on unarmored foes,
while its tapered point could pierce
through even heavy metal armor.

A Roman infantryman would go into

battle armed with more than just
his gladius. He would also have a dagger
(pugio), several one-time use spears
(pila) and lead-weighted darts (plumbatae), but the sword was his main means of attack. The sword is
the only weapon Paul lists as part of the Christian arsenal.

What is the Word of God?

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

God's Word—the Holy Bible—illuminates. It reveals to us the good and the bad, the wise and the
unwise. It is the ultimate tool in learning how to live the best possible life, free from the restraints of
stumbling in darkness.

John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

God's Word is truth, plain and simple. We can have perfect confidence in the fact that His words are
accurate, true and unerring. When followed, they guide us without fail in the paths that we need to
walk.

We can be destroyed by lack of the knowledge of God (Hosea 4:6), but we will be blessed if we hear and
keep the Word of God (Luke 11:28). And the knowledge is not just for us. We are to be ready to answer
others who ask us (1 Peter 3:15).

Why a sword?

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the
division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
heart.

The all-powerful sword of the living God is able to cut through every defense our enemy can raise—
down to the very division of bone and marrow. When wielded by a servant of God, nothing can
withstand its ability to cut straight to the core of a matter and uncover the truth. As soldiers in God's
army, it is our responsibility and duty to use His Word to discern the truth and then follow it. When
God's Word shows us something wrong in ourselves, we can use this spiritual weapon to "surgically"
remove the offending thoughts and actions (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Unlike all other pieces of the armor of God, which are solely defensive, the sword is uniquely suited for
both defensive and offensive roles. A solid defense is invaluable, but the sword is the only way we can
complete the work we have been given to do.

Notice that Jesus Christ used the Bible to counter Satan's attacks (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). We must also
learn to live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

Swords are used for close combat, not long-range warfare. Could this imply the nature of the battle a
Christian fights?

Acts 14:22
...strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must
through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
nothing.
The Romans relied in part on assailing their enemy from a distance with javelins and darts, but God does
not give us that option as Christian soldiers. If we were able to fight our battles from a distance, we
would never experience an actual trial.

At first glance, that might not seem like such a bad thing. But when we stop to consider that without
trials, there is no growth, and without growth, we will not be able to enter God's Kingdom, we see that
trials, however uncomfortable, are essential in our journeys as Christians. After all, the promises of
Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26 and 3:5, 12 and 21 are given "to him who overcomes" and not "to him who
remains as he is."

Paul only lists one weapon because we only need one weapon: There is no enemy the Word of God,
coupled with His Spirit, cannot defeat. And so, armed only with our sword, we step out to fight our
enemies head-on. The struggle is real. It is immediate, and it is in front of us. Our future in God's
Kingdom is on the line, and we take up the battle so that we may hold fast to the future He has
promised us.

What promises can we stand on?

Matthew 24:13
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

We fight knowing the end of the story. Two of the many powerful and sure promises in God's Word tell
us that if we remain dedicated to God and His Word, we will make it to the end, and we will be saved.
There is no doubt in this statement. God's promises are as sure as the one He told Isaiah: "Indeed I have
spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it" (Isaiah 46:11).

So take up your sword. The battle is ours.

Apply Now

A sword needs to be sharpened if it is to remain useful—and it certainly won't sharpen itself. Set aside
some time every day for regular Bible study. Pick a topic you don't know as well as you'd like or a
character trait you would like to improve and delve into it. Through continuous practice, we will keep
our blades razor sharp and always be ready to defend the hope that lies within us.